Pa. Highways Death Toll Declined In 2011

PennDOT reported Friday that 1,291 people were killed on Pennsylvania roads last year.

That's the second-lowest total on record and reflects 33 fewer deaths than in 2010.

The number of deaths in crashes involving a drinking driver declined from 417 to 379 – the lowest figure in more than a decade. Motorcyclist fatalities declined from 223 to 198, and there were fewer crashes involving vehicles hitting trees and motorists veering into oncoming traffic.

PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch says the department has invested $50 million in the past five years to make highways safer. Improvements include installing cable median barriers and putting rumble strips along the edges and centerline of roadways.